Measuring Your Windshield Instructions

Before purchasing a new or replacement windshield, it is essential to take proper measurements for an exact fit. If you have your old windshield, you are in the right place.

If you don’t want to go through the measuring process, and would rather ship your shield directly to us, please complete the Shield Request Form.

If you do not have an existing shield on your boat and would like a new one altogether, see the Measuring a Console page for instructions on how to measure your console.

Windshields can be simple or complicated. In either case, there are common measurements that must be taken in order to ensure a proper fit. To the right is a schematic of a typical windshield illustrating required measurements.

Please Note: Before proceeding please be sure you have searched our web site for your shield before starting this process to save time. If you submit a Quote Form for a Windshield that we already offer on our Web Site, we will redirect you to that Windshield to order it there. To search for your Windshield please click here:

Let’s Start Measuring

Inside measurement at the top. (Measured after the curve turns into the side panel).

J

Side of windshield front to back. ( Measured from front face of shield until the slope downward).

K

Inside length of shield. This is measured after the curve turns into the side panel).

About Radius Corners

When measuring the inside length of the windshield it can be confusing where to start. Here we will clear up the confusion. The measurement must be made after the curve is complete and it meets the side panel of the shield. This is important because this is the width of your console. (See the second picture on the right.)

Knowing Where the Radius Ends

In the third image to the right, you can see where the heated bends ends, and the natural factory surface starts. The black arrow is the point where you start your measurement. Never measure into the curves!

Measuring the Corner Radius

To the right is an example of how to determine how much of a radial curve your windshield has. Simply place the Printable Corner Radius Chart on a table and put your windshield on top of it as illustrated in the picture to the right. Move the shield around until you see the curve of your shield match one of the templates radius lines. When you get the match just look to see what size radius the chart says it is. In this case it is 1/2″. This is extremely important, as this curve needs to match the curve on you console.

Note: Please be sure to set your “Page Scaling” to “None” in your “Print Dialog” box under “Page Handling” or the radius chart will print at the wrong scale and you will get a wrong radius reading (link below).

Download the Printable Corner Radius Chart

Does Your Windshield Tilt Back?

Some windshields tilt back. Oftentimes it follows the tilt of the console, but sometimes it does not. The adjoining image on the left shows a typical windshield that is tilted back about 7 degrees.
The image on the right also shows how to determine the amount of tilt on the base of your shield if you do not have an angle gauge. Simply put the front face of your windshield up against a wall or any two surfaces that are 90 degrees to each other. Then get a tape measure and see how much the shield lifts off the table top at the back of the windshield. In this example, it is about one inch.Windshield Thickness Options

You can choose between the following sizes:

3/16″

1/4″

3/8″ thickness acrylic

Do you need Spacers?…

Spacers between the console and the shield are very important. They allow for water flush out of debris, act as a shock absorber, and take up space for tolerance issues in measuring during installation.

A 1/4″ spacer is typical in most cases. Pontoon and some bass Boat style consoles that use quick release fasteners do not use spacers.

Available Spacer sizes on the Quote Form are:

1/8″
1/4″
3/8″
1/2″

Please Note: Before proceeding please be sure you have searched our web site for your shield before starting this process to save time. If you submit a Quote Form for a Windshield that we already offer on our Web Site, we will redirect you to that Windshield to order it there. To search for your Windshield please click here:

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Outstanding Product!

- Kevin W., Boston Whaler

I wanted to take a minute to thank you for manufacturing an outstanding product! The windshield was of the highest quality which made installation a breeze, plus my customer couldn’t be happier. Keep up the great work!